I Went Through Hell Under Amosun, He Was In A Hurry To Be Ogun Governor — Gbenga Daniel
By Trek Africa Newspaper
Former Governor of Ogun State and Senator representing Ogun East, Gbenga Daniel, has recounted the political rivalry that once existed between him and his successor, Ibikunle Amosun, saying he “went through hell” under what he described as his “enfant terrible successor.”
Daniel explained that the root of their political differences was Amosun’s strong ambition to become governor, noting that there was little anyone could do to stop him.
According to Daniel, because he was not seen as supporting Amosun’s governorship ambition, Amosun allegedly moved against him after assuming office in May 2011, subjecting him to what he described as a witch-hunt.
However, Daniel stated that both leaders have since reconciled, put their past differences behind them, and are now committed to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.
He made these remarks during his 70th birthday thanksgiving service held at Abraham’s Tabernacle in Sagamu.
Speaking at the event, Daniel said:
“Let me appreciate the former governors who are here, especially the one they call Ajiri, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, an enfant terrible successor of mine.
He showed me hell, but we thank God, with the prayers of our clergymen, he has repented.
Sen. Ibikunle, thank you very much. We started the race together, but you were too much in a hurry to be governor. That was what happened.
It is people like you that we call Ajagungbade. You fought for the crown, and you got it and became the governor, and there is nothing anyone can do about it. I wish you well, and I thank you sincerely for coming.”
Daniel and Amosun were once political allies. During Daniel’s first tenure (2003–2007), Amosun, then a member of the same party (PDP), represented Ogun Central in the Senate.
However, their relationship deteriorated ahead of the 2007 governorship election when Amosun left the PDP and contested on the platform of the All Nigeria People’s Party (ANPP), losing to Daniel, who secured a second term.
Amosun later emerged victorious in the 2011 governorship election, defeating Gboyega Isiaka of the Peoples Party of Nigeria, who had Daniel’s backing.
Upon assuming office, Amosun initiated a probe into Daniel’s administration. This led to charges filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) alleging financial mismanagement amounting to N7 billion.
After several years of legal proceedings, the court struck out the case, and Daniel was discharged and acquitted of all charges.
At the thanksgiving service, Daniel expressed gratitude for the large turnout, noting that it reflected appreciation for his over 25 years of public service.
